Former Target designer makes leader list despite defection to JCP

Awkward. The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal included former Target director of design partnerships Brian Robinson on its annual 40 under 40 series, which looks at up-and-coming business leaders. In Robinson’s case, he is an up-and-comer who has already went – to JCPenney – but will reportedly be based in Minneapolis.

The Business Journal reported on March 5 that Robinson had left Target, on March 12, JCPenney announced his appointment as VPbmarketing and design partnerships and on March 19, the Business Journal published its 40 under 40 list and noted that Robinson had received six promotions in only five years at Target before announcing his departure.

Why JCPenney would want their VP collaborations based in Minneapolis is a curious situation considering the Plano, Texas-based company has an ambitious goal of transforming itself into America’s favorite store. The metrics by which the company will make that determination haven’t been fully explained, but a key element of the strategy is to rely on a highly differentiated assortments and that’s where Robinson is expected to make a difference. As JCPenney noted, Robinson led breakthrough initiatives at Target involving such brands as Missoni and Liberty of London. The Business Journal credits him with Jason Wu and Gwen Stafani initiatives and playing a role in the development of the Shops at Target concept set to hit stores in early May.